Down Under: Bobcats’ McDowell to play all-star football game in Australia

March 10, 2013

Marshalltown High School senior De'Quan McDowell wants to play in an all-star game in Australia. But needs your help.

The Bobcat wide receiver has to raise $5,478 to be able to go on this trip, which includes a seven-day stay in Australia and a three-day retreat to Hawaii.

"I am happy and I am excited to be able to play in this game," McDowell said. "I performed to the best of my ability to be able to play and I want to represent Marshalltown and the community. I want to do the best I can."

Before he can do the best he can in the two games being played Down Under, McDowell seeks sponsorship from the community. He still needs to raise $4,900 to be able to participate in the trip.

"I am working at Purple Cherry right now and looking for a second job to help out with this, too," McDowell said. "I have sheets that people can fill out if they want to help me out. You can email me or call me or get a hold of me at the high school."

McDowell had a breakout season on the gridiron this year for the Bobcats. He had a team-high 80 catches, 1,185 yards and nine scores as the Bobcats went 7-4 as a team. McDowell also averaged nearly 15 yards per catch and had a touchdown long of 72 yards.

He was moved to cornerback early in the season as well and finished second on the team in tackles with 69 and led the Bobcats in interceptions with three.

All of those numbers translated into a NCAA Division II scholarship offer from Upper Iowa. McDowell is still uncertain about where he will play football at next year but Upper Iowa is in his top three along with Southern Missouri University of Sciences and Technology and Florida Tech.

McDowell said he was one of 36 Iowans selected for the week-long event in Australia. The teams play twice but McDowell was unsure of who exactly his team will face.

For more information on the Down Under Bowl event, visit the website at downundersports.com.